Chaga ~ Supporting Cellular Autophagy

August 02, 2024

Chaga Unveiled ~ The Latest Research & Discoveries

Chaga has always been renowned as an anti-ageing powerhouse due to its incredible anti-oxidant profile but a recent groundbreaking study has uncovered a new dimension to its capacity to support longevity; its ability to induce autophagy [1], a critical cellular process that plays a vital role in speeding up cell renewal and combatting disease including cellular oral diseases and tumours.

We're excited about the fact that the research indicates that Chaga mushroom extract* enhances autophagy [2], a cellular mechanism responsible for cleaning out damaged cells and regenerating newer, healthier ones. These latest findings are adding to the path laid by traditional wisdom with regard to Chaga being a youth-protecting, longevity tonic.

*A side note here. Pretty much all scientific research into the benefits of medicinal mushrooms is carried out using extracts of the medicinal mushroom fruiting body. Extracts from the fruiting body of medicinal mushrooms have been shown to contain far more naturally-occurring active compounds when compared to non-extracted functional mushrooms like whole or ‘full-spectrum’ medicinal mushrooms or those that use a combination of fruiting body and mycelium which is why they are used for research purposes. You can read more about the differences between extracted and whole medicinal mushrooms on our Journal. You can also rest assured at Inner Atlas we exclusively work with dual-extracted, 100% fruiting body, functional mushrooms!

Ok back to Chaga and its longevity-promoting super powers!

Understanding Autophagy ~ The Cellular Cleanup Crew

Autophagy, derived from the Greek words “auto” (self) and “phagy” (eating), is essentially the body’s way of cleaning out damaged cells and regenerating newer, healthier cells. This process is crucial for maintaining cellular health and function. It involves the degradation and recycling of cellular components, allowing cells to remove toxins, repair themselves, and adapt to stress, keeping your cells and therefore your body young![3] Autophagy is linked to healthier and younger-looking skin, reduction in cholesterol and improved heart health, a metabolism and energy boost, improved cognitive health and overall longevity; sign us up, please!

Chaga ~ Nature’s Autophagy Booster

So how does Chaga work to support cellular clean-up and regeneration? The new study highlights that Chaga mushroom triggers autophagy through several molecular pathways[4], including the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and the inhibition of the mTOR pathway. These pathways play key roles in the regulation of autophagy. By modulating these signalling pathways, Chaga enhances the autophagic process, thereby promoting the removal of rogue cells that could contribute to disease and prevent their proliferation, helping to support our body’s physical resilience and overall vitality.

Chaga ~ Promoting Longevity & Slowing the Visible Signs of Ageing

Chaga mushroom has long been known as an anti-ageing mushroom and this new study has added a new dimension to our understanding of how Chaga lives up to its reputation as a youth-promoting medicinal mushroom. By stimulating the autophagic process, Chaga aids in the removal of cellular debris and damaged proteins, which can accumulate over time and contribute to aging. This cellular cleanup helps to maintain skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and promote a youthful complexion. Additionally, by supporting the body's natural repair mechanisms, Chaga contributes to overall longevity and vitality, making it a valuable addition to any anti-aging regimen.

Now don’t get us wrong, we aren’t against the ageing process! To age gracefully and accumulate wisdom and life experience is truly a gift. However, we’re big advocates for preserving the optimal performance of our body and mind so that we can make the most of all life has to offer at any age. With this in mind, King Chaga is a big part of our personal longevity toolkits amongst the team here at Inner Atlas!

Enduring Energy ~ Chaga’s Potential to Promote Stamina & Boost Metabolism

Chaga’s reputation as a functional mushroom that supports endurance has seen it become increasingly popular among the athletic and fitness community in recent years as a way to naturally boost stamina and performance. This new study further validates Chaga’s position as an athletic performance aid[5] particularly through its identification of Chaga’s influence on the AMPK pathway, activating it and consequently bolstering autophagy. The AMPK pathway is renowned for its vital role in cellular energy production and metabolic regulation. Often dubbed the "muscle-building gene" by experts, recent research reveals its pivotal role in orchestrating the construction and rejuvenation of muscle tissue.

Weaving Chaga into Your Daily Routine

One of our favourite ways to enjoy Chaga is as a coffee alternative with a ¼ to ½ tsp of Inner Atlas Chaga extract powder stirred into a cup of boiled water. With its dark colour and robust flavour, it’s hard to tell the difference between brewed Chaga and a long black! What’s more, with its energy-enhancing potential it makes the perfect morning beverage especially if you’re looking to take a break from coffee and the jitters that often come with it.

Chaga can also be added with ease into smoothies and tea as well as sweet and savoury meals.

Our Inner Atlas Chaga is:

Bursting with Active Compounds, containing greater than 30% beta-D-glucans. At the time of writing this, our current batch of Chaga contains 41.65% beta-d-glucans, which is a lot! We're one of the few companies that test each and every batch of our mushroom extracts independently here in Australia. It’s an expensive exercise for us to undertake but we believe it’s worth it to guarantee to you, our community, that our extracts are both pure and potent.
Sustainably Wild-harvested from Siberian Birch trees.
Highly Potent with a 20:1 dual extraction.
Certified USDA & EU Organic.
Fruiting Body Only – 100% real mushrooms with no added fillers or mycelium.